There's so much to do in Kansas no matter what time of year it might be. These amazing museums in Kansas are the backbone of our shared history, and they work every day to spread the knowledge within. Maybe you should add some of these to your bucket list? You really must visit them at least once.
1. Sternberg Museum of Natural History — 3000 Sternberg Dr., Hays, Kansas
This museums in Hays is home to a number of fossils found around Monument Rocks and our badlands. That includes the famous "fish-in-a-fish" you see above. The museum is also home to many other dinosaurs.
2. Watkins Museum of History — 1047 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas
Housed in the 1888 National Bank Building, the Watkins museum has been around since 1975. They've been providing education, programs, and changing exhibits ever since the beginning, They also have a number of events you can attend to learn even more about this area and your state.
3. Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum — 204 S Main St., Wichita, Kansas
This museum housed in one of the city's most beautiful buildings seeks to spread knowledge of Sedgwick County and Wichita's history. Today, they have nearly 70,000 artifacts relating to our history and timeline.
4. Wyandotte County Historical Museum — 631 N 126th St., Bonner Springs, Kansas
Here at this house of history, there's a collection of Native American items, a steam pumper fire engine, and numerous county items. Plus, you get to explore Bonner Springs while you're there!
5. Central Kansas Flywheels Yesteryear Museum — 1100 W Diamond Dr., Salina, Kansas
The first mission of the Flywheel Museum is to preserve what we're losing. They hold dear our fading local cultures and customs and to share them with the public.
6. Riley County Historical Museum — 2309 Claflin Rd., Manhattan, Kansas
This museum collects, preserves, and interprets Riley County History, and spreads it to anyone who wishes to learn it. They also offer tours of local historic buildings as well as archives for research.
7. Museum of World Treasures — 835 E 1st St N, Wichita, Kansas
Some forget that within Wichita there's a great museum just crawling with history. They have dinosaurs towering above you, educational events, and two genuine Egyptian mummies.
8. Kansas Barbed Wire Museum — 120 W 1st St., La Crosse, Kansas
Though the idea of learning about barbed wire's history is a little odd, I assure you that the museum makes it interesting. There's more than 2,400 varieties housed here, of all shapes and sizes.
9. Kansas Motorcycle Museum — 120 N Washington St., Marquette, Kansas
Though this museum is mostly new, started in 2003, it still has merit as one of the most unique in Kansas. It features a section dedicated to "Stan the Man" Engdahl as well as more than 100 vintage bikes of different ages and types.
10. Combat Air Museum — 7016 SE Forbes Avenue Forbes Field, Topeka, Kansas
Though 41 isn't a huge number, when you're speaking in terms of aircraft, it gets a little large. That's how many are housed here, of varying sizes and shapes. There's two whole hangars to explore, and plenty of history behind each and every one.
11. Emmett Kelley Museum — 202-204 E Main St., Sedan, Kansas
Emmett Kelley was a famously sad clown who used to travel with the Ringling bros. before his death. At the museum are numerous clown-related items from when he was alive, and a tribute to his life.
12. Fick Fossil and History Museum Facebook — 700 W 3rd St., Oakley, Kansas
This history museum hiding in Oakley is a real treasure to behold. It's also partially an art gallery, featuring handmade crafts as well as paintings and other wall art. Come give it a look.
13. Mitchell County Historical Society Museum — 402 W 8th St., Beloit, Kansas
This museum explores everything between the roots of Kansas culture to the Spirit of Waconda Springs. However small Beloit is, the history found here is larger than life.
If you're interested in more of what we've got to offer, check out 10 of the best hiking trails in Kansas.
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